Pakistan releases Saim Ayub, names Farhan as replacement

Pakistan has released Saim Ayub from its ODI tri-series squad after the batter requested time in domestic cricket to work on his form, the Pakistan Cricket Board said Monday. Sahibzada Farhan has been named as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament. The PCB said Ayub spoke with head coach Mike Hesson and asked to return to domestic cricket to improve his batting and regain confidence. Team management and the national selection committee accepted the request, according to the board. The explanation for the squad change is based on the PCB’s account of Ayub’s request. Ayub made 21 runs across three innings in the tournament, with scores of seven, eight and six. His latest innings ended with six runs against England on October 25, when Pakistan secured a one-wicket victory. Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten 113 to guide Pakistan to the target. Farhan was not in Pakistan’s original squad for the tri-series. He has scored 101 runs in six one-day internationals, at an average of 16.83, according to reports on the replacement. He will join the squad for the remainder of the competition. Pakistan has already qualified for the October 31 final after winning its first three...